New Zealand / Regional

Jump in library use since Auckland council merger

20:03 pm on 28 December 2010

New figures show patronage at Auckland libraries rose by 9% in November, when the region's councils merged to form a supercity.

There are 55 libraries in the supercity catchment area and Aucklanders do not now pay fees for reservations and the late return of children's books.

The manager of libraries and information, Alison Dobbie, says borrowing of requested books increased by 67% and children and teens' borrowing rose by 10% last month.

She says that may be because borrowers can choose from a larger collection and have the convenience of using facilities near where they work, go to school or socialise.